Last updated on March 28th, 2024 at 12:22 am
Watching a loved one get older and perhaps experience some of the common problems that come with aging is never pleasant. However, as a family member, there are lots of things that you can do to help make aging a more pleasant experience for them, including supporting them in choosing the right senior living facility.
Many older people find that moving to accommodation that is designed for seniors, such as assisted living communities, is the best way for them to age in place and remain as independent as possible throughout their retirement. When choosing a senior living facility, there are several options to consider.
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Location
The location of the senior living facility is one of the most important factors to consider. Your loved one might be excited about moving to a place that they have always wanted to live in, but at the same time, they may not want to be too far away from relatives and friends.
If they are interested in moving to a different area for a change of scenery or have requirements for an assisted living facility that are not provided locally, then it might be worth looking for options that are not in the local area, but not too far for relatives and friends to visit. For example, if you live in Illinois, you may find the perfect location when you search for a La Grange IL assisted living facility.
Independent Living
For many older people, one of the key factors to keep in mind when choosing an assisted living facility is how independently they will be able to live. Many older people prefer to have as much autonomy and independence as possible, so consider how easily they will be able to achieve this there.
Ideally, you will want to find somewhere for your relative where they will be able to retain as much independence as possible, as studies have shown that seniors who are as independent as possible tend to be happier, and at a lower risk of suffering from mental health problems.
Activities Available
Before choosing the right assisted living facility for your relative, it is worth exploring the activities and events that are available for them to take part in. Most assisted living facilities offer a buzzing activities calendar and a wide range of things for residents to do on site including on-site fitness facilities, hobby groups, book clubs, games and competitions, classes, and more.
It’s worth keeping your loved one’s hobbies and interests in mind when checking out different assisted living options for them to ensure that you find somewhere that offers the things that they enjoy the most.
Accommodation Type
The type of accommodation on offer is another key factor to think about when choosing an assisted living facility with your senior relative. Think about how they would prefer to live as there are a few different options available. Most assisted living facilities offer studio apartments or small apartments.
However, you can also find small houses that are suitable for older people, or even rooms that can be either shared or private. Some are offered furnished, while others require residents to provide their own furniture.
Support Available
As important as it is that your relative is able to remain as independent as possible as they move to an assisted living facility, it also gives both of you peace of mind to know that they can access support when it is needed.
Think about the type of support that your relative needs either with everyday tasks or with their health and wellbeing, and make sure that you ask plenty of questions when visiting facilities to ensure that these will be met.
Reputation
Finally, bear in mind that not all assisted living communities are the same. Therefore, it’s a good idea to do some research into what’s on offer and find out more about the reputation of a facility before you make a final decision.
It can be a good idea to speak to current residents and their family members to get an honest view of what life at the facility is like, and whether or not it is going to be a suitable option for your loved one.
Choosing and moving into an assisted living facility can be a big step for an older person. If you are helping a senior loved one make the right choice, these are some key factors to consider.
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